California theme parks, casinos and theaters were not included in an order calling for the postponement or cancellation of large gatherings over 250 people at concerts, conferences and sporting events.

The top of the renovated Sleeping Beauty Castle can be seen poking out of construction barricades at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Disney and Universal theme parks will close for two weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic that has forced California entertainment venues to postpone or cancel their events in the interest of public safety.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will close March 14-31. Universal Studios Hollywood will close March 14-28.

The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will close Tuesday, March 17. The Downtown Disney and Universal CityWalk shopping centers will remain open during the respective closures.

California theme parks, casinos and theaters were not initially included in the governor’s executive order calling for the postponement or cancelation of concerts, conferences and sporting events.

Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego remain open. After praising Disney’s decision to shut down its California parks, Newsom said: “Expect more announcements like this shortly.”

Knott’s Berry Farm officials said they were aware of the new guidance issued by the state regarding large events based on the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Knott’s Berry Farm is currently evaluating what this means for our park, our guests and our associates,” Knott’s said in a statement. Knott’s closed the Buena Park theme park due to heavy rain at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.

Six Flags Magic Mountain officials said that the governor’s order does not include large amusement parks and the park will be open as scheduled.

“The health and safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority,” Six Flags Magic Mountain said in a statement. “Like other public venues, we continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Like most theme parks, Magic Mountain has increased sanitation efforts in public areas and added more hand sanitizer stations in restrooms and restaurants throughout the park.

SeaWorld San Diego will maintain its current operating schedule, but has canceled scheduled shows, officials said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation for changes, collaborate with health officials and take the necessary steps to address the health and safety needs of guests, ambassadors and animals,” SeaWorld San Diego spokeswoman Kelly Terry said in a statement.

Legoland California plans to open on Friday, March 13 and implement the park’s “rainy day” policy, which provides re-admission to visitors when poor weather closes any attractions for 2 hours or more.

“Any future changes will be communicated,” Legoland officials said.

The March 27 grand opening of the new Lego Movie World themed land at the Carlsbad park has been postponed.

California’s Great America, a Santa Clara park operated by Knott’s parent Cedar Fair, is assessing the new coronavirus guidance issued by the state.

“We are actively evaluating how this may or may not impact our park,” California’s Great America said in a statement. “In the meantime, Cedar Fair continues to take direction from the Centers for Disease Control and follow their recommendations, as well as our own processes and procedures, to prevent disease spread.”

Brady MacDonald is a theme park reporter for the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. He’s covered the theme park industry for more than 25 years. He writes about Disney, Universal, Six Flags, SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Legoland parks in Southern California, across the United States and around the world. As a member of the SCNG Features team, he also writes about entertainment, travel, pop culture, music, restaurants and craft beer.

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